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Choosing a RAID type

When you create a RAID set in Disk Utility, you can choose the type for the set. The type determines how the RAID set works. There are two types of RAID sets.

A striped RAID set splits files across the disks in the set. A striped RAID set improves the performance of your software because it can read and write on all the disks in the set at the same time. You might use a striped RAID set if you are working with large files, such as digital video.

A mirrored RAID set duplicates files across the disks in the set. Because this scheme maintains two or more copies of the files, it provides a continuous backup of the files. In addition, it can help keep data available if a disk in the set fails. Mirroring is recommended if you have shared files or applications that need to be accessed frequently.

A concatenated disk set lets you use several disks as a single volume. This is not a true RAID set.

See also

RAID